Reporter tells The Fan his source on Jackson, Krzyzewski is reliable

By Tim Hall
Jun 18, 2009

comments

On Wednesday, a blurb appeared in the Racine Journal Times in Gery Woelfel's column. His source says Phil Jackson will step down as the Los Angeles Lakers head coach and Mike Krzyzewski will be the sought after replacement.

The note also hinted that Lakers star Kobe Bryant would want to see Krzyzewski get the job.

Woelful said Wednesday that his source is a very accurate one who usually hits home runs on all his calls.

"I had talked to a gentleman who I respected for many years and he's provided me with good stuff," Woelful told 99.9FM The Fan ESPN Radio. "This guy has some legitimacy. .... Bottom line is he firmly believes that Mike Krzyzewski would be the heir apparent to Phil Jackson."

Bryant further developed his relationship with Krzyzewski while playing for Team USA this summer, where the Americans won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

"Absolutely, they have a very good rapport, a mutual respect, I think both individuals appreciate what the other has accomplished, " Woelful said. "According to this source he says Kobe will definitely go to bat (for Krzyzewski), and let's face it if Kobe wants you to be the head coach you're going to be the head coach."

Lakers coach Phil Jackson has yet to make any such announcement that he is leaving the team and Woelful did say a decision probably won't come quickly. But general manager Mitch Kupchak would prefer it not to drag on.

Krzyzewski has said he plans to remain with the U.S. Olympic team, but Duke athletics director Kevin White and president Richard Brodhead have refused to speculate on his future.

Most Recent Comments

RE: Reporter tells The Fan his source on Jackson, Krzyzewski is reliable

I guess I did know that. K is staying in Durham...just as I predicted.

RE: Reporter tells The Fan his source on Jackson, Krzyzewski is reliable

I hope not. I'm a UNC fan, but I enjoy the rivalry and I'm afraid it just wouldn't be the same without Coach K!

RE: Reporter tells The Fan his source on Jackson, Krzyzewski is reliable

I predict K leaves for the Lakers.

RE: Reporter tells The Fan his source on Jackson, Krzyzewski is reliable

You don't know that, Buddy.

Coach K has enjoyed coaching the pros in the Olympics. He's good friends with Kobe now. I think in 2004, Coach K's daughters were still in school. Maybe now Coach K is facing a different set of circumstances.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if he left. Does he really have anything left to prove on the college level?

Plus, he may know that his best days (in college) are behind him. Roy is continuously eating his breakfast.

RE: Reporter tells The Fan his source on Jackson, Krzyzewski is reliable

I'm sure this guys source is reliable and if Jackson steps down there is no doubt in my mind that the Lakers and Kobe will make a run at K...again. Keep in mind the same thing happened when Jackson took his year off in 2004. Didn't happen then...won't happen now.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1834596

WRAL Sports Fan

ACC Insider